1/26/23

Very intriguing autobiography by the USSR's leader of the 50s and 60s. It was controversial in its day, owing to the provenance of the material, but it has, I believe, since been shown to be authentic. A number of intriguing insights, as well as some intriguing blind spots (and intriguing contradictions, which are pointed out by Crankshaw in a series of notes that alone are worth the price of admission). I think if you have a good grounding in Russian history, you're more likely to pull out the really intriguing details in the book, but even a general reader will find much of interest. Definitely recommended. ( )

The first adult history I ever read; he'd died 1971-09-11 when we had a news clipping assignment in junior high. A fascinating character, somewhat reminiscent of Martin Luther.

This was an incredibly interesting book. The style was very informal so it was actually a pretty easy read, long, but easy. It will be enjoyed by any history buff, and a must read for anyone studying Russian history or US-Russia relations. It covered the topics of the rise of communism/socialism, Stalin, the world wars, internal fighting and succession after Stalin's death, the Cuban missile crisis, and more.
The book gives a positive take on socialism, which I found somewhat refreshing after only reading pro-capitalist material my entire life. However, while it was being pro-socialism, it also time and time again indirectly alluded to how much better off the United States was compared to the USSR.
Another excellent aspect of this book are the footnotes done by the editor. They were just the right amount, would point out when Khrushchev was correct, and when he would completely ignore the facts. ( )

Innenansicht der sowjetischen Führung. - Natürlich gefärbt. ( )